Influential Woman · Law Enforcement

JaCora Glenn

Communications Officer, Harris County Sheriff's Office

Manvel, TX

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Prairie View A&M University (attended) Degree University of Houston Downtown - Peace Officer License Degree Bachelor's Degree (in progress) Cert Peace Officer License

Her Story

About JaCora

I'm a deputy sheriff with the Harris County Sheriff's Office, and I currently serve as a bailiff in a felony court. My journey in law enforcement started about 11 years ago when I began as a dispatcher. I did everything in dispatch - I started as a 911 call taker, then became a trainer, and then got on the radio where you actually dispatch the police to the calls. It really intrigued me, which led me to go to the academy. In my current role as a bailiff, we start court, maintain order, and make sure everything runs smoothly. If we have juries, I get the jurors to and from where they have to go safely. I deal with judges, lawyers, and all kinds of people on a daily basis. I've served on really high-profile cases, and I've served on regular, normal cases. One of my most meaningful accomplishments is being the bailiff for the drug court that we have in Harris County, helping young women to get clean, get on the right path, and get their lives together. I graduated with my peace officer license from the University of Houston Downtown, and I'm currently finishing my bachelor's degree, which is pretty exciting.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with JaCora

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to my son. When he was coming, it was just like, I gotta get it together. I have to make sure that he sees a positive role model, and he sees what I'm doing, and he sees that even though I started later in life, that you could get it done. He's my motivation to be the best version of myself and to show him that it's never too late to pursue your goals and make something of yourself.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I've ever received is that it doesn't matter how long it takes you to get to where you want to be, just do it. It doesn't matter how old you are - go back to school, start the career. If that is your passion, go for it. This advice has really shaped my journey, especially as someone who started later in life, and it's something I try to live by and pass on to others.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My advice to young women entering law enforcement is that it won't always be easy, and they don't always think that you could do it, but you can, and be the best at it. People will doubt you, but don't let that stop you. Show them what you're capable of and prove that you can not only do the job, but excel at it.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

Just being a woman in law enforcement is a challenge - people automatically think that you can't handle it, or you can't do it. But I absolutely can, and probably I can do it better. That's a challenge every day. And on top of that, being a Black woman is very challenging. But you have to put your best foot forward and give your best every single day. Despite these challenges, I know that I'm capable and that I can succeed in this field.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The most important values to me are standing up for what I believe in and standing up for what's right. I also value making sure that the people I work with trust that I will make the best decisions when it comes to our safety and making sure everyone is safe at work. Trust is essential - it's about being trustworthy and ensuring that my colleagues know they can count on me to protect them and do the right thing.

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